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Soldiers 'honoured' by Letchmore Heath celebration
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| March on: servicemen and women take part in the celebration parade |
Hundreds of people descended on Letchmore Heath and Patchetts Green on Monday to take part in a unique celebration organised to honour members of the British Armed Forces.
The 254 General Support Medical Regiment was honoured by villagers in song, prayer and a wreath laying ceremony before residents joined in a lively festival of dance, drink, and food.
The Armed Forces Welcome Day, the first event of its kind in Britain, was organised to honour soldiers and medics for their work in conflicts including Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.
Visiting servicemen and women ranged from Andy Sheerhan, 20, the regiment's youngest member, to Chelsea Pensioner George Bayliss, 87.
Staff Sergeant Michael Crimes, 36, who served in the Gulf War, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Afghanistan and now trains medics said he felt "honoured" by the event.
He said: "With all the bad press and negativity we get this is fantastic for us. I feel honoured and proud. It's nice to feel that the public is behind you and it feels great to be wanted and appreciated for the work that you do."
Responding to criticism of current conflicts, Sgt Crimes said: "People don't realise that we don't do it for politics. We do it because there's a job that needs to be done."
Organiser Brian Hyde said he put together the event as the British public "weren't taking any notice of the work the armed forces are doing".
Sergeant Tony Pateman, 47, who has served in the a number of conflicts, including in Iraq, agreed that the event was a rare instance when the armed forces were supported for their work.
He said: "People usually don't want to think about what we do. They don't want to know."
The festivities centred on the Three Horseshoes and Three Compasses pubs, in The Green, Letchmore Heath, which were surrounded by stalls, music, morris dancing and games including a well-contested tug-o-war between residents and the regiment.
All proceeds from the event were donated to The Army Benevolent Fund.
9:49am Tuesday 6th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Steve, Radlett on 3:47pm Thu 8 May 08
Its a shame the cadet band did'nt get a mention. After all the theme was "Past, Present and Future"
Its a shame the cadet band did'nt get a mention. After all the theme was "Past, Present and Future"
Posted by: JOHN, Borehamwood on 11:38am Fri 9 May 08
Which cadet band was there?
I am an Adult instructor with Borehamwood Army Cadets, and had we been aware of this event, we would have been glad to assist, or even just spectate.
Which cadet band was there?
I am an Adult instructor with Borehamwood Army Cadets, and had we been aware of this event, we would have been glad to assist, or even just spectate.
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